Electrocardiograms (EKGs)

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is one way for physicians to measure heartbeat and heart rate. Small, adhesive electrodes are placed on your arms, legs and chest to measure the energy levels in your body. As your heart beats, the electrodes record the electrical activity of your heart on graph paper, and the results are either printed out or displayed on the monitor for your physician or nurse to study.

EKGs are among the most common diagnostic tests performed on patients with heart concerns. The simple and painless procedure allows medical staff to keep a close eye on the status and progress of the heartbeat and the patient.

What to expect during your test or treatment

The EKG is a simple procedure that requires no previous preparation. The test is completely safe and painless, and only takes about five minutes to complete.

A technologist will clean the areas of your skin where the electrodes will be placed. These areas usually are on the arms, legs and chest.

Men may need to have their chest partially shaved to allow a better connection.

The technologist will then connect 10 electrodes with adhesive pads to your skin. These electrodes are connected by thin wires to the heart monitor, or EKG machine.

Once the electrodes are in place, you will be asked to lie down while the machine takes its reading of your heart’s activity.